The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) has spoken out at the news that BMI plans to withdraw its Heathrow to Glasgow service on 27th March because of BAA‘s decision to raise domestic passenger charges at Heathrow. SPAA has said that the rise in domestic passenger charges is contrary to the airport’s plan to grow as a hub.

The cancellation of the service is a major blow for the Scottish economy as the route was seen as a crucial business link between the two countries.

SPAA president Brian Potter said: “It seems bizarre, because domestic services are vital to Heathrow Airport too. It claims to focus on developing as a hub for the future, rather than a point-to-point airport – so chasing away UK domestic air services will hardly assist BAA in its pursuit of that objective.”

He added: “Whilst we recognise that the new charges at Heathrow are not the sole reason for BMI’s withdrawal, the higher fares likely to result will inevitably affect all UK domestic travellers, further reducing already declining passenger numbers.

“This will be damaging for business across the board – Government, BAA, the airlines and passengers. Scotland’s economy needs services like the Bmi GLA-LHR one.”